Rodgers: Simon's homework paid off

The Reds had taken a deserved first-half lead through Daniel Sturridge and looked on course to secure three points when Daniel Agger's late handball presented the visitors with a chance to equalise from the spot.

Jonathan Walters assumed penalty-taking duties for Stoke, but was thwarted by a flying stop from Mignolet, who then sprung to his feet to deny Kenwyne Jones' follow up with just two minutes remaining.

Rodgers told his post-match press conference: "He made three terrific saves in the game. He had one in the first half when Jonathan Walters had a great turn and shot and Simon stretched and got a strong arm to the corner on the left side.

"Obviously when you don't take your chances - and we created numerous chances and didn't do that - and then get a penalty against you at the end, there's sometimes that sinking feeling.

"But he'd done his homework and knows exactly where all the penalty takers are going. It was a good first save and then obviously the reaction to get up and make the second save was impressive.

"I think from that, you also saw the spirit in the team, what we're trying to cultivate here as well and the energy and attitude of the players.

"It was terrific performance all round - but of course, the goalkeeper gets the plaudits when he saves a penalty right at the end."

Watch the video here »

Mignolet's save prompted joyous scenes of celebration as Liverpool got the new season up and running with a victory.

Rodgers added: "I'm delighted - I'm just delighted for the players. The work they put in over the course of pre-season and their focus and concentration amid everything that was thrown at them at the club, to come out and play like that, create as many chances as they did and get the win was excellent.

"There was a great atmosphere, it was a wonderful day and it's the first three points of hopefully many more."

Mignolet wasn't Liverpool's only league debutant against the Potters, with fellow summer recruits Kolo Toure and Iago Aspas also starting the game.

Rodgers was more than satisfied with how the trio acquitted themselves.

"Kolo introduced himself to the crowd when he jumped about seven foot five in the first couple of minutes of the game - it was a wonderful leap and I think you could see his energy and enthusiasm," said the boss.

"When we lost Jamie Carragher last year, we were losing real experience - but Kolo comes in and offers that. He was excellent.

"Mignolet was very good and Iago Aspas is a real bright and clever player. In and around the edge of the box, he wants to shoot, he wants to combine with people and that's something that's important for us. I thought for 70 minutes he was excellent.

"Tactically he understands the game and what we're trying to do here. All across the board, it was very good."

Rodgers also had words of praise for Sturridge, whose return from injury ahead of schedule resulted in a 11^th league goal for the club in just 16 outings.

"Considering he's only been back just over two weeks from his injury, I think he's a great credit," said the manager.

"He played 90 minutes in midweek in a game behind closed doors, so to come out and play another 90 today was really putting himself out there.

"Just at the point before he scored, I'd made a note for him to maybe take more shots because our combination play was great.

"It was a really good move, we showed great patience to pass and to probe to get the space. You saw Daniel's power, he's got a wonderful left foot and it was a terrific finish.

"He's disappointed he never got a few more, but he continues to score and that's why he's here. That's his job."

Meanwhile, journalists asked Rodgers for an update on Luis Suarez, who was in attendance at Anfield with his family.

He replied: "At the minute, the concentration is on the players who are available to play. Luis is doing his work and there's nothing to be said there. For us, it's about continuing with the momentum coming through from last season and winning games, which is what we're here for.

"He's a part of our team and a part of the club. The supporters are a class act here - the classic Liverpool Way is to always support the players and the manager. That's what they always do."

Rodgers continued: "I won't be saying anything on Luis Suarez and it's only purely out of respect for the players that are working hard at the minute.

"All I will say is I am very satisfied with how everything has been resolved and we as a club are now looking to the future and moving on."

Meanwhile, on the prospect of adding his squad before the close of transfer window, Rodgers said: "We're confident of having one or two in before the window shuts, but there are no names, just speculation."

Secure match day hospitality for Liverpool's Capital One Cup second-round clash with Notts County from just £50 plus VAT. Click here for details.